Big news!

(This was written Tuesday by Katrina; I'm posting it here so you all can know the good news!)

Abigail is without C-PAP today!

We knew it was happening soon, because she had been breathing room air (21% oxygen) for days, but when we got to the hospital, they told us it would be some time today. They didn't know when, so Ryan started holding her; a few minutes later, they came and took it off. It's so quiet now, without the machine. Abby wasn't quite sure what was going on (this is the first time since the day she was born that there hasn't been something helping her breathe). We watched her try to make sense of it all. She was looking around, as if trying to figure out what was different. Then she started moving her hands up to her face (with her uncoordinated preemie-movements), touching her nose and eye. At one point, she even went cross-eyed to look at her nose.

Of course, this is the day I didn't pack the camera.

We know it's a very likely possibility that she will have to go on nasal cannula or even back on C-PAP, because her little body will get very tired, but it's still a great step.

Tomorrow we'll take pictures of her beautiful little face (it was beautiful before, but now it's so much more visible).

She has a lot of brown hair, except on her forehead where they shaved for her IV (which is out now).

UPDATE:

As of Tuesday night, she was put on a nasal cannula. This is not a shock, and she likely will be on and off of it for a while. She might even have to go back to C-PAP, but let's hope not.

It really was a special moment yesterday getting to hold her as they took the C-PAP off. It was priceless getting to watch her explore and try to make sense of the new arrangement. We will post pictures of her face as soon as we can.

Thank you all for your support and prayers. This is a big milestone, and we're glad we can share it with all of you.

Also, as of Tuesday night, Abigail continues to grow. She was just .5 ounce short of 3 pounds when she was weighed last night.